This Thursday will see the first-ever auctioning of an Australian Victoria Cross from World War Two. Of course, other examples have sold before for hundreds of thousands.

But this is the first WW2 example awarded to an Australian available to collectors, and is one of only 22 Australian World War II VCs.

With this in mind, it’s perhaps unsurprising that the medal carries a $1m estimate.

VCs are the big prize among medal collectors. It remains the highest decoration for bravery awarded in Britain and the Commonwealth, specifically for valour in the face of the enemy.

But “valour” doesn’t seem like a strong enough word to describe the actions of Australian Ted Kenna – although the same can be said of all VC winners.

Ted Kenna’s 10 medals, including the Victoria Cross, will appear with a $1m pre-sale estimate

Kenna’s feats included single-handedly taking out a Japanese machine gun post… and doing the same again two weeks later, receiving an almost-fatal bullet to his jaw.

Ted Kenna died last year, which is why his medal has only just appeared on the market.

At least the $1m valuation should ensure that the medal goes to a good home. One person who you can be sure will have his eyes on it is Lord Michael Ashcroft.

Like all the best collectors, Ashcroft isn’t just a mere custodian of the world’s largest collection of VCs, but is also on a one-man crusade to ensure history’s VC-commemorated heroes aren’t forgotten about.

The Victoria Cross is the highest British and Commonwealth honour for valour in the face of the enemy